China has recently issued a guideline to improve "the quality and public credibility of law enforcement."
The guideline, released by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, identified areas that the police could improve in its law enforcement activities, such as application of information technology.
According to a Ministry of Public Security statement, there are concerns that some police officers lack sufficient legal awareness.
"Their ability to handle new situations and new problems needs to be improved," it said.
"Injustice and indecency" occur from time to time, causing strong resentment among the public, the statement said.
The guideline called on the police to perfect the mechanism that ensures lawyers' right to practice, including keeping defense lawyers informed, hearing their defense, as well as accepting lawyers' appeals and complaints.
Regarding supervision, the guideline ordered heightened accountability, saying that police officers will be held accountable throughout their life for cases they handle.
Public security authorities should also use the law enforcement information network, so that all cases can be tracked and reviewed, according to the guideline.
